Barcelona’s veteran goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is back in Catalonia - and he’s not happy. After wrapping up a strong showing with Germany in the UEFA Nations League, the 33-year-old flew into Barcelona on Sunday with one thing on his mind: confronting club president Joan Laporta and new head coach Hansi Flick over what he believes is a coordinated campaign to push him out.
Barcelona set to sign Ter Stegen ‘replacement’
According to Barcelona’s internal roadmap, Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García is expected to sign with the Catalan giants on Wednesday after his representatives pay the $27 million (€25M) release clause at LaLiga headquarters. The 24-year-old has long been on the club’s radar, with insiders viewing him as a key piece of Barça’s future.
That plan might have seemed airtight - until Ter Stegen reentered the picture.
Ter Stegen fighting for Barça future
Still under contract for two more years, the German shot-stopper isn’t going quietly. Sources close to the situation say Ter Stegen arrived visibly upset and eager to sit down with Laporta and Flick to voice his frustration. He reportedly has no intention of stepping aside or making it easy for the club to phase him out.
The timing is tense. While Barça continues to push for García’s arrival, Ter Stegen has been making headlines for all the right reasons on the field - playing a pivotal role in Germany’s Nations League campaign and reminding critics why he’s still among Europe’s elite goalkeepers.
Why do Barcelona want to replace Ter Stegen?
Behind the scenes, the message from Barça is clear: they’re ready to move on. But Ter Stegen isn’t backing down. His résumé speaks for itself: over a decade at the club, countless key performances, and the kind of international pedigree that commands respect. The issue? Age and injuries. At 33, and with a history of knee and back surgeries, the club sees him as part of the past - not the future.
From Barça’s perspective, García represents a smart, strategic signing - a younger, healthier option who could fill the position for years to come. But convincing their captain to accept a supporting role - or leave altogether - won’t be easy.
Meanwhile, Laporta was spotted in Munich over the weekend for the Nations League final. Accompanied by Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation, Laporta met privately with UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin. Their conversation reportedly touched on Barcelona’s potential second violation of Financial Fair Play regulations - an issue that could carry serious consequences for the club heading into the 2025/26 season.
One thing’s certain: a storm is brewing in Barcelona’s goalkeeping department. And Ter Stegen, it seems, isn’t ready to give up his spot between the posts without a fight.